LIVE TEXT // Ursula von der Leyen announces €1.8 billion support package for the Republic of Moldova
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, is today in Chisinau, where she announced the launch of a new financial assistance facility for the Republic of Moldova.
12:30 p.m Dorin Recean: "We offer a better life to all citizens"
Prime Minister Dorin Recean welcomed the new financial aid package of 1.8 billion euros offered by the European Union, emphasizing that this is the largest support given to the Republic of Moldova since independence. "The European Union is with the Republic of Moldova through a new and unprecedented support - the Economic Growth Plan", said Recean.
This plan, developed together with the Government of the Republic of Moldova, aims at investments in roads, the construction of two modern hospitals in Cahul and Balti, energy security and ensuring access to quality water for over one million citizens. The Prime Minister emphasized that these concrete projects will contribute to the economic development of the country and to the preparation of the Republic of Moldova for accession to the European Union.
11:20 Ursula von der Leyen: "Your economy and our single market must come closer together"
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced today, in Chisinau, a new financial package worth 1.8 billion euros for the development of the Republic of Moldova. The funds will be directed to economic growth and infrastructure modernization, as well as to projects that bring the country's economy closer to European standards.
"I want to emphasize once again that your economy and our single market must come closer together. (...) We will invest 1.8 billion euros in the economy of Moldova and we will focus the investments on areas that will grow the economy. We have concrete projects: the repair of schools, the construction of two new hospitals in Balti and Cahul, the expansion of the energy network to connect Moldova to the European infrastructure and the development of the road network, including the Chisinau-Iași-Odesa route," said Ursula von der Leyen.
Also, the president of the European Commission emphasized that the Republic of Moldova will benefit from the expansion of access to the single European market and will have support in the training of the workforce, thus offering more opportunities for citizens and SMEs.
At the end of his speech, von der Leyen reiterated that the European Union will remain a strong partner of the Republic of Moldova in its European journey and encouraged citizens to actively participate in the elections to decide their future.
The President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, thanked for the support offered by the European Commission: "Thank you for this generous help, part of the "Plan for the growth of the economy of the Republic of Moldova". It is a symbol of our transformation and will help us build a strong economy and develop our towns.”
11:10 Maia Sandu: The Republic of Moldova is working tirelessly to become part of the EU family, a true family of peace
The support offered by the EU in recent years proves the solidarity on which the Union is based and functions, said President Maia Sandu during the conference held jointly with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
"Citizens of the Republic of Moldova, regardless of the spoken language or political vision, want a safe life in a peaceful and free state. That is precisely why we want to be part of the EU, because the EU represents, first of all, a family of peace and unity, where member countries are treated with respect".
11:00 Press briefing held by the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen
10:26 a.m Ursula von der Leyen: "I can feel Europe's pulse beating here."
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in a post on social networks emphasized the close connection between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union, noting that she feels the " Europe’ s pulse beating" in Chisinau. She reiterated the fact that Moldova has proven its deep European character and expressed her conviction that the country's place is in the European Union. His message highlights the EU's strong support for Moldova's European path and appreciation for the reform and European integration efforts of the Moldovan authorities.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, is today in Chisinau, where she could announce the launch of a new financial assistance facility for the Republic of Moldova. It is about the Reform and Growth Facility, created in 2024 for the Western Balkans, which provides a total fund of 6 billion euros for 2024-2027.
For now, no details are known about the amount that could be allocated to our country. It is the first visit of the head of the European Commission to the Republic of Moldova after her re-election to head the European institution.
We remind you that, last October, von der Leyen declared in Chisinau that the accession process to the European Union is based on meritocracy, emphasizing that the Republic of Moldova proved strong determination and made significant progress on the path of reforms.